Operations Supervisor Development Program (OSDP)

Leprino Foods is seeking multiple Operations Supervisors within our world-class Cheese and Dairy Nutrition manufacturing teams to continue moving our organization to even larger levels of food quality, safety, and production efficiencies. We take pride in our vision to be "world's best", it's why we work harder, invest more, and continually innovate.  

Applicants Take Note: The 6-month OSDP path into Leprino is meant for relatively new professionals within manufacturing leadership. If you are a recent or upcoming college graduate, please inquire about our 12–18-month Manufacturing Management Trainee Program.  

At Leprino Foods, starting compensation for this role typically ranges between $80,000 and $94,000. This position has an annual target bonus of 5%. 

Typical Career Progression:  Operations Supervisor - Production Supervisor - Senior Supervisor -  Department Manager - Production Manager - Plant Manager

OSDP Responsibilities:  

• With coaching and guidance from plant leadership, the Operations Supervisor will gain in-depth knowledge of all Leprino-specific production processes from start-up to shut down and is expected to be able to make solid decisions pertaining to product quality, safety, and efficiencies for their applicable department rotation.   

• As part of your development process, Operations Supervisors are also responsible for monitoring aspects of team performance throughout their rotation, including product testing, equipment operations, product inventories, and employee scheduling to meet production needs. 

• Assist in building an effective employee team by engaging, mentoring, and developing hourly team members when applicable. 

• Develop and demonstrates knowledge of production processes which assures that production yields and efficiencies are met as defined by budgetary and corporate standards. 

• Demonstrate developed people leadership skills in the production department rotation by supporting and implementing programs in training, safety, communications, performance recognition, and internal employee development in order to ensure peak employee productivity. 

• Supervise daily shift operations to ensure production standards and quality parameters are met where needed. 

• Achieve targeted production volumes for area of responsibility. 

• Determine equipment repair needs and initiates maintenance work orders to minimize production downtime. 

• Help to monitor team operations and makes recommendations for labor and manufacturing efficiency, cost savings, and quality improvements.  

• Execute to the department’s financial performance goals to assure that a quality product is provided at the least possible cost.   

• Help to implement plant safety programs to ensure compliance and a safe working environment.   

• Assists in leading and executing the department’s quality systems to achieve quality goals.  

• Plan and schedules daily staffing needs to maximize labor efficiency and ensure production needs are met, with guidance. 

• Help to build and foster strong working relationships, collaboration within the team and a positive work environment.  

• Accept a challenging environment where solving problems, continuous learning, and a high technical aptitude is the norm, not the exception. Take ownership of your career – it’s yours to grow if you’re willing to put the work in. 

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):  

• A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemical Engineering, or related STEM degree. 

• The ability to perform shift work in a 24/7 operational plant. The milk never stops coming and neither do our operations! 

• One (1) year of supervisory experience or experience as a junior military commissioned officer. 

• Flexibility to work nights during the program. As a Leprino Supervisor must learn all aspects of operations to include both start-up and shutdown.

• Following completion of the program, a production supervisor is required to rotate 6 weeks days and 6 weeks nights.

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications): 

• A Master’s in Food or Dairy Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or related STEM degree. 

• One (1) year of previous experience as a new production supervisor in a manufacturing environment. 

• Previous completion of a Manufacturing Leadership Trainee program with a major food manufacturer (Nestle’s FMDP, PepsiCo’s Supply Chain Leader, Cargill’s OMT, etc.). 

Leprino Foods celebrates and supports diversity. We believe in equal opportunity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture that uses the unique talents, experiences, background, and perspectives of each individual employee.

Offering You In Return:

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino Foods could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Our Story:

Leprino Foods’ history dates back over 70 years, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino Foods is the world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by Jim and the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” To help us achieve that bold vision, we’re looking for our secret ingredient: You. A motivated team member who is the best at what you do. Three passionate individuals in a small corner grocery store in the early 1950s have now grown to almost 5,000 employees throughout 16 global locations. Will you join us on our journey?